Rascal Flatts' Jay DeMarcus Launches Christian Music Label

Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus has launched his own Christian music label, Red Street Records. The first two signees to the label were also announced today: new artist Lauren James, a worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and iconic CCM group Avalon. 

Marking "the next chapter" for the band, who recently welcomed new member Dani Rocca alongside Jody McBrayer's return after a 12-year absence from the group, Avalon is back in the studio and working on new music. The monumental press conference was live-streamed on Avalon's Facebook page, which you can check out below for a powerful acoustic performance from the group.

While Jay DeMarcus is largely known for his involvement with country superstars Rascal Flatts, his roots are deeply planted in Christian music. DeMarcus was part of Dove-nominated band East to West in the late 1980s before the group disbanded in the early 90's. Even during his time in Rascal Flatts, Jay has continued to stay connected to the Christian music industry, producing records for artists like Jason Crabb and The Martins, in addition to country legend Reba McEntire's recent gospel album. 

"I kind of feel like everything I've done up to this point in my life has led to this one moment," Jay shared today. "Christian music was such a huge foundation for me, even as a kid growing up. Before there was ever a Rascal Flatts, I started out in Christian music with East to West, and I've always felt like every time I would come back into the Christian music genre and produce records, I always felt like I was coming back home to a degree. It's always been in my heart, when the timing was right, to do something on my own."

As owner and CEO of Red Street Records, DeMarcus, alongside general manager and producer Don Koch, will produce albums for both Avalon and Lauren James. 

How Can It Be Platinum

Lauren Daigle's debut album, How Can It Be, is one of only five albums in the Christian genre to attain Platinum status since 2003, and the first from a female artist since 2001.

How Can It Be was quite an introduction for Daigle, who has received critical acclaim and recognition as the fastest-selling new artist for her genre of the decade. 

Last year she crossed genre lines when she was featured on the soundtrack of  Bladerunner 2049, as well as on country music legend Reba McEntire's album. In addition, Daigle was recognized on two of Forbes' 30 Under 30 lists.

Lauren Daigle and Reba McEntire To Perform in Country Music Awards

The Academy of Country Music announced additional performers, presenters and an unprecedented number of duos and special collaborations for the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards. The special will be broadcast live Sunday, April 2 8:00-11:00 PM/ET on CBS.

The featured collaborations will include 14-time ACM Award winner and 14- time ACM Awards host Reba McEntire and Christian artist Lauren Daigle performing “Back to God,” Tim McGraw and Faith Hill premiering “Speak To a Girl,” and Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban performing their hit single “The Fighter.”

Solo performances include Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town and Rascal Flatts.

Reba McEntire to Release Christian Album

Reba McEntire prepares to release Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope on February 3, 2017. For an entertainer with an illustrious career that has elicited 35 No. 1 singles, over 56 million albums sold worldwide, prestigious industry awards, lead acting roles and brand endeavors, new is a rarity - yet an art form she has perfected.

From the set of her forthcoming music video for "Back To God," Reba revealed details about her influences, upbringing and lifelong help from her guardian angels that lead to this collection. The double-disc project highlights traditional hymns of "faith" throughout the first 10 songs while more contemporary tracks of "hope" round out the back half.

"SING IT NOW was the perfect title for this album because the message and melody throughout the song connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times," said Reba.

Reba let her heart and friends help guide the song selection, which includes the first tune she ever sang in public, "Jesus Loves Me," a former Reba co-star's suggestion of "Oh Happy Day" and an introduction from a close associate to "From The Inside Out." She collaborated with Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood on "Softly and Tenderly".  Reba co-produced the album with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts in his home studio and Doug Sisemore.

"Music conjures up great memories and goes hand and hand with us McEntires," said Reba. "Mama, Susie and Alice even came into the studio with me to record 'I'll Fly Away,' all of us gathered around an old hymnal straight from the Chockie church."

Reba McEntire: Faith Guides Me

Country music super star Reba McEntire has sold more than 56 million albums, starred in her own television show and has just released her first studio album in the past five years to rave reviews. The secret to her success? The singer's faith.

"[Faith] guides me on everything I do," Reba told Fox News. "I ask for guidance, I ask the Lord to give me wisdom when I speak, when I think and I always try to be positive and say nice things and it gives me strength throughout every minute and every day."

Reba's faith is front and center on her latest album Love Somebody. She penned the song "Pray for Peace" after receiving a message from God.

"It's a song that was started 2-3 years ago when I was out walking," she said. "My front yard is my church and that's where I go out and I talk to God...so 'Pray for Peace' came to my mind and I started praying for peace."

Reba continued, "A month or two later I'm like, 'Lord, what have you got in mind for me? What's my next project?' And He said, 'I want you to pray for peace.'"

It didn't take long for Reba to march into the studio to record the song.

The singer recalled asking God what she should do with the song and said He told her to "give it away" so she put it on YouTube. She later decided to include it on the album because "fans need to hear it because it is a gift from God."

Reba's faith is one reason why she's teamed up with Outnumber Hunger's campaign to help secure meals for those struggling with hunger in America. Reba explained it was comedian Bob Hope who helped her understand the importance of using her celebrity to give back.

"We were doing benefits for the widows of veterans and he told me, he said, 'It's really important for you to give back. You can receive all day long, but the most important thing for you to do in your life...is to give back."

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